Raphinha's World Cup hopes hang in the balance after latest injury setback

Brazilian winger Raphinha's World Cup 2026 dreams are once again clouded by injury. The Barcelona player sustained a hamstring injury during Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti, forcing an immediate substitution just before halftime.

This latest blow marks a significant period of absence for Raphinha, who has endured a "crucifixion" of injuries throughout the past season. According to Transfermarkt data, he has already missed 112 days and 24 matches in the 2025/26 season, even before this latest incident with the national team.

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The attacker, 29 years old, will be re-evaluated in the coming hours.

His injury woes began early in the season with a thigh muscle issue in September, followed by a biceps femoris injury in January. He then suffered an adductor strain in February, sidelining him for three more games. Most recently, in March, he experienced right leg pain after playing for Brazil against France, returning to Barcelona with "pain in the posterior region of the right leg."

Having only been cleared to play on May 2, Raphinha was looking forward to his second World Cup, alongside Vinícius Júnior, as key leaders for the five-time champions. The team's concentration began on May 27, but this new injury casts a shadow over his participation and Brazil's prospects.

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After a practically immaculate 2024/25 season, in 2025/26 he has been out for 112 days due to injury - not including this latest setback with the senior team - forcing him to miss 24 matches, according to data from the Transfermarkt platform.